I know this topic has been discussed before, but I'm seriously considering upgrading our Henckels International kitchen knife set. I was looking at the ESEE/Ethan Becker set and there are some custom makers that I could piece together a set from one at a time. But I think it would be really cool to buy maybe a 3 or 4 piece set from my favorite knife company.

So, my question to the members here is this. If Dan offered up a small set of kitchen knives, what would you like to see in it. Chef's, large and/or small santoku, paring, utility, cleaver, etc. What handle style? What steel?

I would think the handle style should pretty much be narrowed down to either the War Dog or Mudder handle. Blade steel should be either ELMAX or Sandvic 12c27 (HDD Dagger).

If I were picking my Dream Team 4 Piece Scrap Yard Kitchen Knife Set it would be an 8 inch chef's knife, 6 inch santoku, 5 inch utility, and 3.5 inch paring. All with War Dog handles and 12c27 steel. That is a good stainless steel well suited for kitchen use, and a lot cheaper than ELMAX.

What would you dogs prefer in a set of kitchen knives? I realize not everyone here is in the market for a new set of kitchen knives, but I think a little discussion wouldn't hurt.

I have also been looking into kitchen knives lately. I'm not sure I would be in for a whole set (maybe) but I would like a thin, satin 5" utility, as that is what I find myself using 90% of the time. War dog handles on the larger knives sounds cool too. 12c27 is good, but Elmax is better, but as you say it costs more. As someone who missed out on the Elmax series, I like the idea....I hope Dan does too.

Yeah, ELMAX is better but I suggested 12c27 because I was taking into consideration the purchase price of a set of 3 or 4. If it were a single knife then ELMAX would hurt a lot less. If 12c27 is a deal breaker for Dan then I would certainly be in for some ELMAX kitchen knives.

Thanks for chiming in!

Elmax is definitely sweet in the kitchen; an 8" Santoku style would be super-sweet!!!